Del Cielo Orale Mexican Style Lager
As a craft beer enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for a brewery’s take on traditional styles, and a Mexican-style lager is a perfect example of a style that can be elevated with a craft touch. Del Cielo Brewing Co., a Latino-owned family brewery, brings its heritage to the forefront with its “Orale” Mexican-style lager, and it’s a brew that’s worth seeking out.
The Concept: A Craft Take on a Classic
The Mexican-style lager is a beer genre dominated by mass-market options, but Del Cielo’s Orale stands out by celebrating its roots while using quality craft ingredients. The name itself, “Órale,” is a nod to its Mexican heritage—an enthusiastic exclamation that can mean everything from “hello” to “let’s go!” This spirit is what they’ve tried to capture in the bottle, and they’ve done a solid job.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Pours a clear, light straw-gold color with a crisp, white head that dissipates fairly quickly. It’s exactly what you’d expect from a refreshing lager—bright and inviting.
- Aroma: The brewery notes the use of Saaz hops, which are a key component of the aroma. You get a soft bitterness and a subtle, pleasant bouquet of herbs and spices. It’s clean and not overpowering, setting the stage for a light and drinkable beer.
- Taste: This is where the beer truly shines. The taste is a perfect balance of light body and crispness. The Saaz hops provide a gentle, spicy bitterness that isn’t aggressive, while a clean malt backbone keeps it sessionable. It’s not a hop bomb or a malty monster; it’s a wonderfully balanced and refreshing lager. Some drinkers might even pick up a hint of citrus or a slightly muted sweetness on the finish, but the overall impression is one of cleanliness and drinkability.
- Mouthfeel: Light-bodied and exceptionally crisp, with a dry finish that encourages another sip. It’s exactly what you want in a beer designed for a warm day. With a low IBU of 9.4 and a 5.0% ABV, it’s a very easy-drinking and quaffable beer.
Del Cielo’s Orale is a fantastic example of a craft brewery nailing a classic style. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but rather, perfect it. It has the qualities of a traditional Mexican lager that people love—light, crisp, and refreshing—but with the added complexity and quality that come from a thoughtful craft approach. It’s the kind of beer that’s perfect for a sunny afternoon, a backyard barbecue, or as a base for a well-made michelada.
If you’re a fan of beers like Modelo or Corona but want to explore a craft option that’s a step up in flavor and quality, this is an excellent choice. It’s a “hell yes!” of a beer, and a perfect representation of the brewery’s passion for both craft beer and their heritage.
About the SF Tequila Shop’s Craft Beer Collection
Welcome to the SF Tequila Shop‘s Craft Beer Collection, where our passion for artisanal spirits extends to the world of meticulously crafted brews. While our roots are deeply planted in the rich traditions of agave, we believe that great taste knows no bounds. Our curated selection of craft beers is a testament to this philosophy, offering a diverse and dynamic range of flavors from both local Bay Area legends and acclaimed breweries worldwide.
We’ve hand-picked each beer in this collection to complement our artisanal tequilas and mezcals, offering a variety of profiles that range from crisp and refreshing lagers to bold, barrel-aged stouts. Whether you’re seeking a perfect palate cleanser, a complex brew to sip alongside a fine spirit, or simply a delicious beer to enjoy on its own, you’ll find a beverage that meets your needs.
Explore our selection and discover hoppy IPAs, sour ales, rich porters, and unique seasonal releases. We are dedicated to supporting independent brewers and sharing their stories, one bottle at a time. The SF Tequila Shop is more than just a place for agave; it’s a destination for the discerning drinker who appreciates the art and craft of all things liquid.
Cheers!